Temperature Affects Us Round-the-Clock: How do we Stay Healthy?

Are you one of those people that can’t stand being in cold weather? Or maybe you find it difficult to focus and be productive if your home or office is too hot. Whatever your preferences may be, your response to certain temperatures actually goes beyond wanting to be comfortable.

Temperature plays a much larger role in our overall mental and physical health than we may realize–and it turns out there isn’t a one-stop solution to a healthy temperature range. Our bodies actually require different temperatures to be successful at different activities, such as working or sleeping.

As you move throughout your day (and night), how can you be sure the temperature of your immediate space is setting you up for success? To help you get started, we’ve put together a quick guide to helping you remember just how warm or cool you should be:

Throughout the day: temperature affects our productivity

Temperature can have a surprising impact on our productivity. Working in an environment that has too high or low temperatures can be a distraction, at the very least–as our bodies work to adjust to a healthier temperature, it will become increasingly difficult to focus properly.

The ideal temperature for productivity is between 70°F and 77°F. Studies testing productivity outside these ranges have seen a decrease in productivity by 4% in colder temperatures and by 6% in warmer ones. It’s also been proven that being mindful of your workspace temperature can lead to 3% gains in overall productivity.

At night: temperature determines our sleep quality

Have you ever found it impossible to fall asleep in a room that felt too hot? This wasn’t just because you were uncomfortable–it also has to do with your body.

When we’re trying to fall asleep, our brain will try to lower our overall body temperature, and this slight drop in temperature helps induce sleep. However, if the air in our room is too hot or too cold, we’ll have a difficult time achieving the right body temperature for a healthy night’s sleep, causing us to have a restless night.

Research tells us that the best room temperature for sleep is between 60°F and 67°F.

Outdoor temperatures typically drop throughout the night, which can affect your temperature inside, as well. If you’re worried about the temperature in your bedroom overnight, setting a thermostat within the preferred range can help you have a better night’s sleep.

Staying on top of the temperature of your environment can be overwhelming. Luckily, there’s air quality monitors, like Awair. Awair tracks toxins and chemicals in your air and gives you actionable insights and tips to help you stay safe and healthy.